A bone marrow transplant? No wonder Tom refused to give me any money when I asked him. I recalled the bone marrow that had been taken from me, and the thought made me sway on my feet, almost losing my balance.

Across the room, Betty was already holding Julie, crying.

"Jessica, I know you're angry that Tom has been spending time with me and Julie, but we are really just friends. I even tried to persuade him to repay you once the project funds came through, but it was his love for Julie that made him insist on this."

"If you have any complaints, take them out on me. Please...